U.S. patent number 5,860,659 [Application Number 08/370,647] was granted by the patent office on 1999-01-19 for carrier for holding and transporting containers.
Invention is credited to Michael Edward Hart.
United States Patent |
5,860,659 |
Hart |
January 19, 1999 |
Carrier for holding and transporting containers
Abstract
A carrier or cart for holding and transporting two or more
containers, in particular, garbage/trash cans or bins. The cart is
designed for easy maneuverability to facilitate storage and
simultaneous transport of multiple containers.
Inventors: |
Hart; Michael Edward (Biloxi,
MS) |
Family
ID: |
23460557 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/370,647 |
Filed: |
January 10, 1995 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/79.5;
280/400; 280/47.131; 280/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B
3/104 (20130101); B65F 1/1468 (20130101); B60D
1/481 (20130101); B60D 1/00 (20130101); B62B
2207/00 (20130101); B62B 2202/02 (20130101); B62B
2202/20 (20130101); B65F 2001/0086 (20130101); B60D
2001/005 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62B
3/10 (20060101); B62B 003/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;280/47.131,47.34,47.35,47.18,79.3,79.5,79.6,408,410,477,497,456.1,79.2,498,461.
;188/19 ;D34/24,21,23,39,17,5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Boehler; Anne Marie
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Law Offices Of Royal W. Craig
Claims
We claim:
1. A carrier for holding and transporting containers, said carrier
comprising:
a first mobile container carrier assembly and a second mobile
container carrier assembly;
each of said first and second mobile container carrier assemblies
comprising a base and a cooperating bracket assembly attached to
each said base having a top flange and a vertically displaced
bottom flange;
a separate pivot means located on each of the top and bottom
flanges of each of said cooperating bracket assemblies, said
separate pivot means on each of the top and bottom flanges aligned
along a common vertical axis for allowing each of said first and
second mobile container carrier assemblies to pivot about said
common vertical axis with respect to one another; and
means for locking said first mobile container carrier assembly at a
pivoted orientation to said second mobile container carrier
assembly to prevent movement of the entire carrier;
whereby said separate pivoting means on each of the top and bottom
flanges of each of said cooperating bracket assemblies maintain
each of said first and second mobile container carrier assemblies
on a common longitudinal plane to maintain proper balance of the
carrier, and likewise allow for smooth pivoting of each of said
first and second mobile container carrier assemblies about said
common vertical axis to prevent jack-knifing during pivoted
movement.
2. The carrier for holding and transporting containers of claim 1,
said locking means further comprising:
a horizontally disposed flange attached to each of said first and
second mobile container carrier assemblies, each of said
horizontally disposed flanges having means thereon for interlocking
said flanges;
whereby said first mobile container carrier assembly may be placed
at a pivoted orientation to said second mobile container carrier
assembly to bring said interlocking means into vertical alignment
to interlock said flanges, thereby locking said first mobile
container carrier assembly at a pivoted orientation to said second
mobile container carrier assembly to prevent movement of the entire
carrier.
3. The carrier for holding and transporting containers of claim 1
said locking means further comprising:
a bracket attached to each of said first and second mobile
container carrier assemblies having an opening therethrough;
and
a latch member removably attached to one of said brackets and
configured for insertion into the opening of the other of said
brackets;
whereby said first mobile container carrier assembly may be placed
at a pivoted orientation to said second mobile container carrier
assembly to bring said brackets into horizontal proximity to allow
said latch member attached to one of said brackets to be inserted
into the opening of the other of said brackets, thereby locking
said first mobile container carrier assembly at a pivoted
orientation to said second mobile container carrier assembly to
prevent movement of the entire carrier.
4. The carrier for holding and transporting containers of claim 1,
further comprising:
connector means on each of said first and second mobile container
carrier assemblies for selectively receiving a removable handle and
an additional mobile container carrier assembly.
5. The carrier for holding and transporting containers of claim 4,
further comprising:
at least one removable handle attached to at least one of said
connector means on each of said first and second mobile container
carrier assemblies.
6. The carrier for holding and transporting containers of claim 1,
further comprising:
a horizontally disposed axle on an underside of said base of each
of said first and second mobile container carrier assemblies, each
of said horizontally disposed axles situated at a centroid position
of the underside of said base of each of said first and second
mobile container carrier assemblies; and
a plurality of laterally spaced wheels rotatably mounted on each of
said horizontally disposed axles for movably supporting each of
said first and second mobile container carrier assemblies,
whereby placement of said wheels and axles along a centroid
position of the underside of said base of each of said first and
second mobile container carrier assemblies maintains a balance
between said first and second mobile container carrier assemblies
while limiting the turning radius of the carrier to allow the first
and second mobile container carrier assemblies to freely pivot with
respect to one another without binding.
7. The carrier for holding and transporting containers of claim 1,
each of said first and second mobile container carrier assemblies
further comprising:
a plurality of vertical container support members extending upward
from each of said bases of said first and second mobile container
carrier assemblies; and
at least one ring container support member circumscribing said
plurality of vertical frame support members.
8. The carrier for holding and transporting containers of claim 7,
wherein said at least one ring container support member on each of
said first and second mobile container carrier assemblies support,
said locking means which further comprises:
a horizontally disposed flange having means thereon for
interlocking said horizontally disposed flanges of each mobile
container carrier assembly;
whereby said first mobile container carrier assembly may be placed
at a pivoted orientation to said second mobile container carrier
assembly to bring said interlocking means of each horizontally
disposed flange into vertical alignment to interlock said
horizontally disposed flanges, thereby locking said first mobile
container carrier assembly at a pivoted orientation to said second
mobile container carrier assembly to prevent movement of the entire
carrier.
9. The carrier for holding and transporting containers of claim 7,
wherein said at least one ring container support member on each of
said first and second mobile container carrier assemblies support
said locking means which further comprises:
a bracket having an opening therethrough; and
a latch member removably attached to one of said brackets and
configured for insertion into the opening of the other of said
brackets;
whereby said first mobile container carrier assembly may be placed
at a pivoted orientation to said second mobile container carrier
assembly to bring said brackets into horizontal proximity to allow
said latch member attached to one of said brackets to be inserted
into the opening of the other of said brackets, thereby locking
said first mobile container carrier assembly at a pivoted
orientation to said second mobile container carrier assembly to
prevent movement of the entire carrier.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to a carrier or cart for holding and
transporting containers, in particular, garbage cans or bins. The
cart is designed for easy maneuverability to facilitate storage and
transport of multiple containers.
2. Description of Related Art
The conventional trash or garbage container is normally placed in
the garage of one's home or near the back door of residences,
apartments, restaurants, stores and manufacturing facilities. With
the exception of commercial and industrial usage where trucks
equipped with front end lifts upend large trash bins into the
trucks, most trash containers have to be hand carried. In order to
minimize the time and cost of refuse collection, and to reduce work
related injuries, most urban areas require that trash be carried to
the curb on garbage collection days rather than picked up at the
back door/alley by sanitation workers. Thus, householders must
carry their trash bags and barrels to the curbside outside their
homes or the trash will not be collected. For many, curbside pickup
is merely an inconvenience; for others, it is a difficult task.
Moving heavy and often unwieldy trash cans can be a strenuous
activity, not only to those who are employed to do so, but also to
homeowners. Carrying a heavy trash container to the alley or front
curb for trash pickup is awkward for an adult and even more trying
for a youngster. Moreover, moving heavily loaded garbage storage
cans ordinarily requires great effort and can often injure the
workman or person attempting to move the same. In addition, many
individuals suffer from impairments of the back or spine and other
physical problems which limits activity. For those with chronic
back pain, as well as for elderly people, transporting trash cans
to the curb on collection day is a physically difficult and
demanding task.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,745,676 discloses a carrier for transporting trash
burners. The carrier comprises an open framework adapted to receive
a trash burner. The framework is mounted upon wheels to facilitate
movement from place to place. U.S. Pat. No. 2,881,007 discloses a
rolling garbage can comprising a container mounted upon wheels.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,904,345 is directed to attachment means for lifting
and moving a container, in particular a garbage can. U.S. Pat. No.
3,188,109 discloses a combined cart and stand for containers such
as garbage cans. Each of these patents disclose wheelbarrow type
devices for holding and transporting a container whereby the
container can be tilted and wheeled from place to place. Such trash
can holders require the user first to lift and then to push or pull
the holder and contents thereof to its destination. Merely lifting
a cart holding a heavily loaded container can tax the strength of
the user. Moving and steering such carts is also difficult and
awkward.
Americans produce 160 million tons of solid waste every year, more
than three pounds per person each day--the highest per capita rate
among industrialized nations. A family of four typically fills two,
three or more garbage cans per week. Since most municipalities
collect trash only once a week, multiple trips between the house
and curbside on collection day is usually required. The need to
make numerous trips further complicates this strenuous and
unpleasant chore.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,377,085 is directed to a trash cart for hauling two
trash containers. The cart is formed of two cart members each of
which are movably supported by a single laterally extending axle
means. The cart members are longitudinally connected as a single
unit by pivot means extending longitudinally therebetween.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,612 discloses a convertible trash container
carrier having four corner located retractable wheels. Retracting
the wheel assemblage converts a wheeled carrier for transportation
to a ground supported unit which is more or less a stationary
holder of a trash container. Coupling means are described for
attaching two trash container carriers together.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,147 is directed to a transporter for moving
trash cans. A platform is provided having upwardly extending means
which are radially adjustable for accommodating containers of
different sizes. A plurality of wheels are provided underneath the
platform, with at least one wheel being a swiveled forward wheel.
Coupling holes are provided in the front and rear of the platform.
A connector means can be hooked into the rear coupling hole of one
platform and into the forward coupling hole of a trailing platform
to form a train for moving several trash cans at once.
While many carriers, carts, dollies and other devices have been
designed to simplify and reduce the difficulties of trash removal,
a way to make trash removal faster, easier, safer and move
convenient continues to exit in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a carrier for holding and transporting
containers such as garbage cans. The carrier of the invention is
light weight yet extremely sturdy, and is easy to maneuver. Two or
more containers can be simultaneously transported with ease. The
carrier is inexpensive, easy to assemble, and can be readily
customized to accommodate a variety of end uses.
It is an object of the invention to provide a carrier in which
trash cans and like containers may be placed. Another object of the
invention is to provide a carrier which will facilitate and
minimize the storage of garbage cans and the like. Yet another
object of the invention is to provide a carrier for two or more
containers which can be temporarily braced or locked in order to
prevent unwanted movement or the accidental rolling away thereof.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a device which
can be shipped in "knock-down" form and easily assembled by the end
user.
In one embodiment of the invention, a carrier for holding and
transporting containers is provided. The carrier comprises at least
a first and a second carrier unit pivotally attached through the
longitudinal axis thereof, each carrier unit having at least two
vertical support frame members, at least two ring frame members,
and a horizontal support frame member, each carrier unit being
movably supported by a single laterally extending axle means
containing laterally spaces wheels. In a preferred embodiment, the
carrier units contain at least one handle means and a mean for
locking the carrier in a pivoted position.
Using the carrier of the invention, containers may be moved from
the place where the containers are normally located to be filled
(e.g., garage, car port, alley, back yard) to another place (e.g.,
curbside) where the containers are normally located to be
emptied.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a carrier of the invention
showing a trash receptacle positioned in one of the carrier
units.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are longitudinal sectional views showing carriers of
the invention with trash receptacles positioned in each carrier
unit thereof.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing various components of a carrier
of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a carrier of the invention shown in a
locked or braced position.
FIG. 6 is a top view of a carrier of the invention shown in a
locked or braced position with a trash receptacle in one of the
carrier units.
FIG. 7 shows a partial longitudinal perspective of the locked
carrier shown in FIG. 6 holding trash receptacles in each of the
carrier units.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a trash carrier or cart for hauling two or
more substantially identical trash containers. More particularly,
the invention relates to a trash cart formed by two or more
pivotally connected cart or carrier unit members. Each unit member
of the carrier of the invention has a single laterally extending
axle means thereon movably supporting the carrier unit and
permitting lateral pivoting between each unit member.
The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be
more readily understood from the following description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawing Figures. In describing the
invention, the terms carrier, cart, caddie, dolly, device,
apparatus and the like are used herein as referring to the carrier
of the invention. The terms cans, containers, barrels, receptacles,
bins, drums and the like are used herein to refer to anything which
can be accommodated (i.e., held and transported) by the carrier of
the invention.
Referring to the drawings, the carrier of the invention comprises
at least two, preferably substantially identical carrier member
units 1. Each carrier unit comprises a principally cylindrical
shaped open frame work mounted upon wheels to facilitate movement
from place to place. While the frame work is of cylindrically
shaped, it is to be understood that square and rectangular
containers, in additional to conventional round containers, are
contemplated for insertion therein. The containers are removably
disposed in the carrier units.
Each cylindrically shaped carrier unit member 1 comprises a
horizontal base support frame member. Preferably, the horizontal
base support frame member is formed of single longitudinal 2 and
laterally 3 extending cross members. Preferably, the longitudinally
extending cross member 2 and the laterally extending cross member 3
each crosses centrally of the other so that longitudinal cross
member 2 is laterally centered relative to the lateral cross member
3 and the lateral cross member 3 is longitudinally centered
relative to longitudinal cross member 2. Longitudinal cross member
2 may be formed in two halves secured abutting lateral cross member
3. Together, cross members 2 and 3 present a smooth horizontal
supporting surface for receiving a trash drum 4.
Each cylindrically shaped carrier unit member also contains at
least two vertical support frame members 5, and at least two
supporting ring frame members, a lower ring member 6 proximal to
the horizontal base support frame member and an upper ring member 7
distal thereto. Preferably, the horizontal base support member is
encompassed by lower ring member 6. Supporting ring frame members 6
and 7 are attached to vertical support frame members 5. The
vertical support frame member 5 and the supporting ring frame
members 6 and 7 together provide vertical support to hold
containers in an upright position, thus preventing full containers
from falling off and/or empty or lightweight containers from
blowing away.
Each carrier unit has a single laterally extending axle means 8
which movably supports the carrier unit 1. Each axle 8 rotatably
supports laterally spaced wheels 9. The wheels 9 are freely
rotatable on the axle 8. Preferably, and in order to provide
maximum maneuverability, the axle is positioned under the lateral
cross member 3 such that the entire carrier unit rides above the
horizontal plane of the axle. Alternatively, the axle means may
extend through the laterally extending support member 3. Any
conventional method of mounting the axle to the base of the carrier
may be used in practicing the invention.
Carrier units are longitudinally connected by pivot means extending
longitudinally between each unit. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, a first carrier unit is pivotally connected to a second
carrier unit at two locations therebetween. This design prevents
"jack-knifing" of the carrier, such as may occur if the containers
carry loads of unequal weight. The vertical support frame members 5
contain pivot means 10 adapted to pivotally attach carrier unit
members to one another. Alternatively, pivot means may be provided
on ring support members 6 and 7.
A preferred embodiment of the carrier of the invention comprises a
front or first carrier unit 1a and at least a second or rear
carrier unit 1b. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the front and rear carrier
units are pivotally attached to one another through the top and
bottom of a connecting or linking bar 11. The linking bar 11 may
contain radially extending upper and lower flange means 12 for this
purpose. While FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the use of a separate
connecting bar 11 secured to vertical support frame members 5, it
will be understood that the vertical support frame member 5 may be
formed so as to function directly as the linking means.
In use, a container is inserted through ring members 6 and 7 and
lowered until the base of the container is resting on the
horizontal support frame members 2 and 3. While the horizontal
support frame member shown in the drawing Figures comprise
longitudinally and laterally extending cross members, various
modifications would be readily apparent and are encompassed by the
claimed invention. For example, the horizontal support frame member
may be a circular platform which supports in its entirety the base
of the container to be inserted therein.
Handle means 13a-c for steering and propelling the cart is also
provided. Such handle means is particularly useful for turning
sharp corners, rolling up and down inclines, and for storage in a
minimum amount of space. While various types of handles are
illustrated herein, it is to be understood that other handle means
may be used are encompassed by the claimed invention. Handle means
can be mounted on the vertical support frame member and/or ring
frame member. In a preferred embodiment, at least the lead or first
unit is adapted to receive a handle. The handle is located to
enable easy manual maneuverability (e.g., pull by hand). Attachment
means 14 to allow attachment to a manual- or motor-driven vehicle
as shown in FIG. 3 is also provided. Handle means such as 13b shown
in FIG. 1 may also be adapted for use with a motor driven vehicle.
Location of the handle and the design thereof will be determined
by, for example, whether the cart will be moved be hand or attached
to a motor vehicle. While the carriers of FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6 are
shown with a handle member on both ends thereof, a single handle
member preferably located on the lead or first carrier unit may be
used. Location of a handle means at both ends of the carrier,
however, facilitates movement.
In order to prevent unwanted forward/backward movement, the units
are pivoted toward one another. The units then are secured together
with, for example, a hinged latch 15, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Alternatively, engageable flanges 16 may be provided on the
supporting ring members 6 and 7, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.
The carrier of the invention may be manufactured of plastic or
metal. Preferably the cart is manufactured of light weight
aluminum. While light weight aluminum is contemplated for domestic
applications (e.g., containers for household trash/gardening),
heavier metals and/or alloys thereof may be used for industrial
purposes (e.g., transporting heavy drums of chemicals). The carrier
of the invention can be easily manufactured using conventional
technology such as metal extrusion and readily available materials
and manufacturing processes well known in the art. The carrier may
desirably be cast in a variety of colors to render it more
attractive and aesthetically pleasing.
The several parts of the carrier of the invention may be secured to
each other by any desired fastening means such as spot welding or
rivets. In a preferred embodiment of the carrier of the invention,
nuts and bolts are used to secure component parts together as a
single unit. The device may then be shipped in "knock-down" form
and the parts assembled by the user. Various components of the
carrier of the invention are shown in FIG. 4. The "knock-down"
embodiment of the invention is particularly of advantageous in that
individual parts may be purchased for replacement and/or to
customize the carrier as needed by the user. Depending on the
intended use of the carrier, additional carrier units may be added
or removed.
The claimed invention is used to store containers such as garbage
cans as they are being filled so that they can be easily
transported to the street on refuse collection day. The carrier of
the invention acts as a storage unit for a plurality of receptacles
wherein trash and debris can be deposited. Use of the invention
avoids numerous trips back and forth to the house thus saving time
and conserving energy. Moreover, use of the invention prevents
strained muscles.
Use of the carrier of the invention is not limited to the holding
and transport of garbage/trash receptacles. The carrier of the
invention can advantageously be used as a garden caddie. Rakes,
shovels, and the like can be stored in one carrier unit while the
other carrier unit is used to deposit leaves, weeds, garden
clippings, rocks, dog excrement, etc. Connection of a third carrier
unit enables manure, fertilizer, mulch, and the like to be readily
accessible.
A particularly important aspect of the invention is that the
carrier can be easily and securely immobilized so as to "park" the
carrier in a way to prevent the rolling thereof. In areas where
trash is collected during the very early morning hours, many
residents take their trash to the street before retiring for the
evening. When left outdoors, trash is vulnerable to marauding dogs,
cats, raccoons, rodents and the like. Scavenging through garbage is
common in neighborhoods where pets are left unrestrained and
allowed to wander at night. As a result, residents frequently
awaken to find garbage and other debris spread throughout the yard,
street and neighborhood which must be cleaned up. Moreover,
seemingly moderate wind often cause containers to topple over. To
prevent unwanted forward/backward movement, the units are pivoted
toward one another. The units then are secured together by a
braking or locking means.
While the invention has been described in detail, it will be
understood that it is capable of further modifications and this
application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or
adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles
of the invention and including such departures from the present
disclosure as come with known or customary practice in the art to
which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the
essential features hereinbefore set forth. Various changes in the
details, materials and arrangements of parts which have been herein
described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the
invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the
principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended
claims.
* * * * *